Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is just around the corner and thousands of people in San Diego County are preparing for this important celebration that honors loved ones who have passed.
The holiday, which is celebrated mostly in Mexico on November 1 and 2, is a reunion of families at their loved one's place of rest: the cemetery. It is believed that souls that have departed will come back to the world to visit with family on those days.
Along with parties at the cemeteries, families will also build ofrendas, or altars, in their homes, which have offerings dedicated to loved ones who have passed. Items include photographs, personal items, their favorite things and more.
The offerings are usually displayed starting on October 27. However, each region in Mexico celebrates this tradition differently. Many light candles or commemorate the dead from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 and in some cases, pets are included. Here is an example of how this tradition is celebrated in many Mexican homes:
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October 28
On this day, the first candle is lit and a white flower is placed to welcome lost souls. On this day, those who died tragically, due to violence or accidents, are remembered.
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This day a candle is lit for forgotten souls. That is, those who no longer have anyone to pray to them.
October 30, 31
On this day, a candle is lit for those who died without having been baptized, or who died before birth, or very young. These are days dedicated to all children, which is why it is common to see children in Mexico asking for their calaverita or sugar skull, not to be confused with Halloween.
November 1
According to Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), "November 1 is All Saints' Day celebrating those who led an exemplary life, as well as children." One more candle is lit and the welcome for our ancestors is prepared on November 2.
November 2
The Day of the Dead is the maximum celebration in Mexico that begins with church bells and the practice of certain rites from dawn such as decorating tombs and making altars on tombstones. This in order to help the souls to transit to the afterlife, describes the INAH.
In Mexico, indigenous cultures saw death as a continuation of life, one that lived in constant connection with the dead. That is to say that you could ask for help from the ancestors at any time and whose connection was more palpable at this time.
What you need to build your altar
If you’d like to take part in preparing an altar this year, here is what you’ll need and what the items represent:
- A table to act as your base. You can also add boxes, crates, or books to create multiple levels.
- Colorful fabric or a tablecloth
- Papel picado or paper banners to decorate the table. The colorful paper represents the union between life and death.
- Candles. Candles represent fire that is meant to light up the path for the spirits to return.
- Water and food. These are your offerings to the deceased family members. You are encouraged to place the favorite dishes of your loved ones and in addition, pan de muerto, fruits, and chocolates, along with their favorite alcohol.
- Pictures. Pictures of your loved ones and mementos, anything that reminds you of them, including sugar skulls.
- Cempasúchil or marigolds to decorate a path toward the altar as they are used to guide the departed back home.
Why is the Marigold Flower Used?
Cempasúchil is a Nahuatl word meaning flower of twenty petals. It was used by the Mexica for medicinal purposes and according to the pre-Hispanic worldview its yellow color evoked the sun, serving as lux to guide the souls of the deceased from the cemetery to homes.
It is estimated that the Day of the Dead has been celebrated for over 3,000 years as it has deeply rooted Aztec and Mesoamerican traditions. Now, more than 78% of Mexicans say they celebrate Day of the Dead.
“They bring food, and they bring drinks, they sit down and they feel like they are celebrating with the people they have lost,” said Andres Ortiz, who owns a shop in Old Town. “It [the altars] represents people we have lost, and it is good to remember them and it is an honor for me to have people I met and loved still present in my life."
If you can't go to Mexico or you prefer to save time with those long lines at the border there are plenty of events happening around town this weekend. Check out our list below:
Saturday, Oct. 28
26th Annual City Heights Dia de los Muertos
11 a.m. in City Heights
There will be colorful low riders provided by Dead End Car Club, and live entertainment, a fun Zone for young ones, food, drinks and more. Open to the public.
Día de Los Muertos: A Community Celebration
11 a.m. in Old Town
Old Town San Diego will have a Mercado de Arte at the north side of the lot across from the Market, Theatre and Trolley stop on Saturday, October 28-29th. On November 2nd Old Town will be hosting the traditional procession to the El Campo Santo cemetery displaying a public altar.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
3 p.m. in downtown Chula Vista
The celebration includes a community altar at Davidson, an Altar Competition for cash prizes, live music and dance performances at three different locations, kids crafts, treats, delicious food and more.
Sunday, Oct. 29
Barrio Logan Dia de los Muertos
12 p.m. in Barrio Logan
The family-friendly event spanning three blocks on the main business corridor will feature a variety of attractions including delicious food, a bustling market, engaging kids workshops and activities, and a special screening of COCO.
Encinitas Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Noon at Mira Costa College, San Elijo Campus
Experience a variety of art-making workshops, artist demonstrations, student exhibitions, live Mariachi and other musical performances.
